MSC-400 Reference Manual
Rev 4
4
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Universal Remote Control MSC-400 Master System
Controller. The MSC-400 enables a professional installer to provide the ultimate in predictable, reliable
one touch control of any audio video system.
One of the most common problems in home theater and whole-house entertainment systems is keeping
the system audio and video components “in sync” as different devices are selected (and turned on and
off). The MSC-400 knows exactly which components are on and off at any given time using a combination
of composite video sensors, voltage sensors and discrete IR and RS232 power commands. The ability to
send discrete power commands or sense device status and properly send or not send power commands
eliminates user confusion completely.
With IR and RS232 command programmability and two built-in relays, system control is not just limited to
A/V devices. Virtually any device incorporated into a home entertainment system - including lifts, screens,
drapes and lighting - can also be controlled from the MSC-400.
When a MSC-400 system is programmed, something very different happens when the user presses a
button on an MSC compatible remote. Instead of sending a long string of commands in a remote control
generated macro that lasts several seconds (each step vulnerable to corrupting interference), the remote
sends a unique RF Trigger command in a few milliseconds. The MSC-400 receives the “trigger”, identifies
it, and generates a Smart Macro that is directly issued to the components via wired emitters, rear panel IR
or RS-232 inputs and/or relay controls. Since all commands are generated within the MSC-400, there is
no possibility of any outside interference corrupting any of the commands. Timing is perfect and there is
no chance of a missed macro step. The macro is “smart” because it can be programmed to make
decisions on the fly. If a component is already on, the video sensing circuit informs the microcontroller
and the MSC-400 will skip the power on command and any power-on delay. If a component is off, the
macro is prefaced with a power on command and the necessary power on delay. This accelerates
operation when the system is already powered on, since power-on delays are skipped. The final result as
your client experiences it: seamless perfection with every button push. The final result for you, the
installer; predictable, reliable installations with clients that refer you to every friend they have!
Programming an MSC-400 system is fast and simple using Complete Control Suite. First, in the tab for
the remote control, you program the remote control exactly the way you have in the past, except that you
do NO Macro Programming. Once all IR codes are labeled and arranged the way you want, you save the
file, switch to the MSC-400 tab and import all the codes as “Connected Devices”. After setting the routing
and adding any RS-232 devices to the list of connected devices, you create a list of Smart Macro Names
(Watch DVD, Watch Cable TV, Turn System Off), then program the macros. After saving the file, you
switch back to the remote tab of CCS and drag in the triggers (labeled “Watch DVD”, “Watch Cable TV”,
“Turn System Off”) into the correct buttons on the remote. Download to the MSC-400 and the remote and
you are ready to test your work.
This manual provides instruction for all aspects of installation, setup and programming a MSC-400
controlled system.
Thank you again for purchasing the MSC-400 Master System Controller.
